Obstetric and Neonatal Outcomes in People Who Acquired a Spinal Cord Injury During Pregnancy

The objectives of this study were to determine the obstetric and neonatal outcomes of people who acquired spinal cord injuries (SCI) during pregnancy.

This is part of an international observational questionnaire examining pregnancy outcomes of people with SCI. The outcome measures included demographics, level of injury and American Spinal Injury Association scores, prenatal and postnatal complications, and neonatal outcomes.

Of 780 responses, 14 (1.79%) participants reported acquiring an SCI while pregnant. 64.2% (9/14) of injuries were due to trauma. Of 14 pregnancies, 1 person miscarried, and 3 pregnancies were terminated. There were 11 live births. One participant had twins and 9 live births were singletons. Six participants delivered vaginally, 3 had a cesarean delivery and 1 was unreported. The preterm birth rate was 54.5% (6/11). Approximately 36% (4/11) of newborns were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. The average birth weight reported was 2409.7 g (456.3 g-3458.6 g). Forty percent (4/10) of participants reported experiencing postpartum blues or depression. Sixty percent (6/10) of participants breastfed for over 2 weeks.

This is the largest known cohort to date of persons acquiring SCI during pregnancy. The most common cause of SCI was a motor vehicle accident. Complications included preterm birth and neonatal intensive care unit admission. People who have an SCI during pregnancy are at risk for complications; however, positive pregnancy and neonatal outcomes are possible. Absolute small numbers of this event limit the ability to assess incidence of outcomes.